Alasdair Mac an Òrach

Alec Goldie was from Irish Vale, Cape Breton County. He was born in Newfoundland and adopted by a MacLean family of Barra descent in Irish Vale. His adoptive parents were Malcolm (Caluim Iain Chaluim, Mìchael Iain Chaluim) and Lizzie. The MacLean family were well known for their songs and stories and were close neighbours of Gaelic storyteller Joe Neil MacNeil.

Alec was a skilled and expressive Gaelic singer and storyteller. In addition to material related to the Finn Cycle, he contributed an important item of religious lore with parallels in medieval continental Europe, as well as local settings and airs for well-known traditional songs. His renditions of Gaelic songs were widely appreciated, and the numerous recordings he made became an accessible and entertaining source for local and visiting folklore collectors.

Goldie served as Chief of Police in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also acted as head of Comunn nan Gàidheal in Sydney. Upon retirement, he moved to East Bay, where he spent his remaining years.